IPL 2024: PBKS vs CSK: Who won IPL match?

Yesterday’s Tata IPL game (PBKS vs CSK) was an easy win for the Punjab Kings.  Cricket is a game of decisive moments, and a single over can change the game. In the recently finished PBKS vs CSK IPL match at Chepauk, Rahul Chahar’s 19th over proved to be a game-changer.

MS Dhoni, the seasoned finisher was a clear threat for the Punjab Kings. However, Rahul Chahar’s brilliant bowling in the second last over kept M.S. Dhoni silent. With this, Punjab Kings got the target of 163 on a twisting course. However, the PBKS skipper shows a brave captaincy choice by handing the ball to Chahar, a leg-spinner bowling his first IPL 19th over. This odd decision paid off handsomely, as Chahar not only kept CSK to a manageable score but also played a key part in Punjab’s comprehensive seven-wicket triumph.

Punjab’s Clinical Chase

Earlier, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw set the tone for Punjab’s chase with a fast-opening partnership of 64 runs. While Bairstow dominated the CSK spinners, Rossouw focused on the pacers, particularly Shivam Dube, who was forced into bowling owing to Deepak Chahar’s early injury. Although Rossouw fell short of a fifty, efforts from Shashank Singh and Curran helped Punjab reach the mark with 13 balls to spare.

CSK’s Struggles and Chahar’s Redemption

CSK, on the other hand, had an uneventful evening. After deciding to bat, they were limited to a disappointing 162/7. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 62 was the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting performance. The pitch aided the spinners, but CSK’s middle order failed to capitalize, bowing to the pressure imposed by Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar.

Speaking of Chahar, his bowling in the 19th over merits special recognition. With the dew settling in and Dhoni at the crease, the odds were stacked against Punjab. However, Chahar bowled with a definite strategy, denying Dhoni any scoring chances on his preferred leg side. He brilliantly utilized the breadth of the crease, pushing Dhoni to execute unusual strokes. This technique not only resulted in a key wicket but also reduced CSK’s scoring rate in the crucial death overs.

Rahul Chahar’s Redemption

Prior to this match, Rahul Chahar’s IPL 2024 campaign had been less than ideal. In his four appearances for Punjab, he took only three wickets at an economy rate of more than ten runs per over. As a result, the Chepauk match offered him an opportunity to atone for his actions. His four-wicket haul for only 16 runs, which included the prized scalp of Dhoni, was his best IPL performance in a long time.

PBKS captain’s Tactical Masterstroke

Chahar’s achievement, however, would not have been possible without the tactical prowess of his captain Shikhar Dhavan. Bowling a leg-spinner in the penultimate over, particularly against a batsman like Dhoni, is a risk few captains would take. Shikhar Dhavan., who had previously played with Dhoni, understood the veteran’s troubles with spin this season. His choice to hold Rahul Chahar back and then release him at the right time proved to be a masterstroke, effectively neutralizing CSK’s main danger.

A Turning Point for Rahul Chahar?

This match could be a turning point in Chahar’s IPL 2024 campaign. His performance against CSK demonstrated his talent and the value he can add to the Punjab Kings’ bowling attack. Rahul Chahar’s confidence has been restored, and he can now play an important role in their search for cutlery. As for Punjab, their clinical victory has moved them to seventh place in the points table, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. They will now try to capitalize on this momentum and advance up the ladder.

Dhoni’s Waning Powers

While Dhoni’s finishing power is legendary in cricket, his recent problems against spin bowling have raised questions. CSK’s decision to postpone his introduction into the batting order this season adds to these concerns. The Chepauk match demonstrated his weakness to quality spin bowling. With the World T20 coming up later this year, Dhoni’s form and place in the Indian team will be hotly debated in the weeks ahead.

Conclusion

In the Tata IPL match of PBKS vs CSK, the Punjab Kings’ win over CSK was one of the memorable as they defeated CSK in their own home ground. While Punjab demonstrated clinical efficiency in both batting and bowling, CSK’s night was marred by mistakes and squandered opportunities. However, the match’s main talking point was certainly Rahul Chahar’s outstanding performance and Sam Curran’s tactical genius.

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